The Minnesota Vikings' quarterback situation just became even more intriguing.
On Saturday, The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported that decision-makers throughout the league expect free-agent QB Sam Darnold to leave Minnesota and sign with the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle traded QB Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders on Friday.
Russini added that the Vikings want to re-sign free-agent QB Daniel Jones but face competition from the Indianapolis Colts. If Jones leaves for Indianapolis, Minnesota could target New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers, whom the club will probably release with a post-June 1 designation.
Regardless of what the Vikings do, ESPN's Louis Riddick, a former scout, thinks the franchise must find out whether QB J.J. McCarthy is the answer sooner rather than later.
I would expect that whatever the #Vikings do, it is with the ultimate goal being to see that the QB that they drafted 10TH OVERALL less than a year ago becomes the starting franchise QB he is capable of becoming …sooner rather than later.
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) March 8, 2025
If the Vikings signed Rodgers, that could slow McCarthy's development. After tearing his meniscus in the preseason, the former Michigan star didn't play his rookie season.
Coming out of college, 2023 national champion McCarthy didn't look like a can't-miss prospect. In three seasons with the Wolverines, he never threw for more than 2,991 passing yards and 22 touchdown passes.
Minnesota may feel Rodgers gives them a better chance to win a Super Bowl. In 20 seasons with the Green Bay Packers and Jets, he has won four MVPs and has earned four first-team All-Pro nods.
However, Rodgers - who tore his Achilles in 2023 - is likely nearing the end of his career. In 17 starts in 2024, the 41-year-old completed 63% of his passes for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns. He also posted a 48 QBR, his fourth-lowest mark since ESPN began tracking the stat in 2006.
While McCarthy has yet to prove he's an elite player, he may have upside. On Tuesday, ESPN/Amazon Prime analyst Kirk Herbstreit told ESPN's Pat McAfee McCarthy could elevate Minnesota's offense next season.
Related: Vikings Emerging as Dark Horse Contender to Sign Aaron Rodgers
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published March 8, 2025 at 3:11 PM.